The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that reduces the amount of income tax you owe. The credit can go back up to 10 years, and unused credit amounts can be transferred to eligible caregivers. Even if someone doesn’t pay income tax, the DTC may be worth applying for because it acts as a gateway to other benefits or financial programs.
What benefits can you access with the DTC?
Here are just a few benefits you can access with the DTC:
- Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), a long-term savings plan available for people 59 and under, with significant government contributions for those 49 and under.
- Canada Disability Benefit (coming 2025), which provides up to $2,400 a year for people with disabilities with modest incomes.
- Canada Workers Benefit Disability Supplement, which provides additional money for anyone receiving the Canada Workers Benefit.
- Child Disability Benefit, which can grant parents with modest income who receive the Canada Child Benefit and additional monthly payments for any child with the DTC.
- Canada Dental Care Plan, which provides dental coverage for individuals without existing coverage.
For more information on other benefits, check out our Resources.
Who is eligible for the DTC?
The DTC is available to people of all ages, income levels, and asset values. To qualify, you must be restricted in at least one of these categories: Vision, Speaking, Hearing, Walking, Eating or Preparing Food, Using the Toilet, Dressing, Mental Functioning. Restrictions have to have lasted or be expected to last at least one year. You can also qualify if you spend at least 14 hours a week on therapy that supports a vital function. The therapy also has to have lasted or be expected to last at least one year.
Access one-on-one support
At DAC, we provide step-by-step support through applications, renewals, denials, and appeals. We can also help people apply for any benefit related to the DTC once approved.
Contact dtc@disabilityalliancecanada.ca or call (604) 606-4160.
Resources and Tools
For more information on the DTC, visit our Resources page, where you can find our help sheets, guides, and interactive tools that can help you along the way.
Try our My DTC app, where you can find in-depth guides about the DTC for both applicants and medical professionals. It also features helpful tools including a questionnaire that generates materials that will help you apply, and a checklist to help you stay on track through the application process.
Disability Alliance Canada 